The SPICES (Social, Physical, Intellectual, Character/Creativity, [1] Emotional and Spiritual) [2] are learning objectives, or areas of personal development explored through scouting programmes in a number of countries. The acronym was created during the development of the ONE Programme scheme by Scouting Ireland, [3] but has since been adopted by Scouts Canada, Scouts Australia, Scouts New Zealand and Scout Association of Malta. These objectives reflect the aims of Scouting rather than the methodologies – the Scout Method.
On the merging of legacy scout associations to create Scouting Ireland in 2004, a need was identified to merge or replace existing programmes into a unified youth programme, eventually becoming " ONE Programme". [4] Thirty-six fundamental learning objectives, categorised as social, physical, intellectual, character, emotional and spiritual areas, [5] were identified as the central aim of the organisation. [4] Interim steps were identified so that these areas of growth could be targeted across the age ranges of the youth members. [4] [5]
The success of the ONE Programme development, prompted other scout organisations to base their youth programme revisions on Scouting Ireland's research. Some examples include, Scouts Canada, [6] [7] Scouts Australia, [8] Scouts Aotearoa and the Scout Association of Malta. [9] [10]
The SPICES are adapted for each of the programme sections – Joeys, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, Rovers. [11] [8]
As part of the " Canadian Path", from beaver scouts to rover scouts, the SPICES are considered the attributes that best represent well rounded youth, prepared for the world. [12] [13]
The Spiritual element is not necessarily religion focused, but could include a scout's relationship with an abrahamic god or connectedness with nature or the global community. [14]
In programme books and materials, for Beaver Scouts and Cub Scouts, the SPICES are represented by characters representing those traits. [15] Beavers track their progress through the SPICES in the Bree (first year), Ruarc (second year) and Conn (third year) lodges. [16] Cubs track their progress by marking their "travel cards" which contain a checklist of all the learning objectives. [17] SPICES beads, and annual personal progress badges are awarded as the travel cards are filled. [17] Venture Scouts plan activities based on a self-assessment of their current personal development using the SPICES (similar to wheel of life tool). [18] Scouts, Venture Scouts, Rover Scouts review their progress as part of the general review of programme cycles. [19] [20]
The "C" in SPICES has been adapted to represent "Creativity". [1] The sections are cubs, scouts, ventures and rovers. [21]
The SPICES are used in the five sections – Keas, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, Rovers. [22] Scouts Aotearoa has linked the SPICES to a similar concept from the Hauora philosophy of health and wellbeing. [23] There are four dimensions (or whare walls) of hauora: taha tinana (physical well-being – health), taha hinengaro (mental and emotional well-being – self-confidence), taha whanau (social well-being – self-esteem) and taha wairua (spiritual well-being – personal beliefs). [24]